NFL Notebook
Published 9:55 pm Saturday, December 4, 2010
Browns’ Lewis put on IR
BEREA, Ohio — One day after two players had their seasons — and perhaps careers — ended by concussions, the Cleveland Browns practiced in full pads.
In the NFL, there’s no time for sentimental sendoffs.
The 1-10 Browns, banged up and crawling to the finish line, have moved on. They have no choice.
On Thursday, players were still coming to terms with the fact that Jamal Lewis, a bruising, durable running back who may one day make the Hall of Fame, had played his last down.
Lewis was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, effectively ending his 10-year career with five games left. The 30-year-old had planned to retire after this season, but was forced out early after telling the team he was experiencing concussion-related symptoms and consulting with doctors.
“I feel bad for him based on everything that he’s gone through and the career he’s had, to go out on IR, if it is his last game, you don’t want to see a guy do that,” said quarterback Derek Anderson. “You want to see him finish the right way, and at least finish the season healthy.”
Browns coach Eric Mangini said Lewis did not complain of any symptoms until Monday, a day after what turned out to be his final game in Cincinnati. Mangini said the team began immediate tests on Lewis.
Along with Lewis, the Browns lost starting safety Brodney Pool to a season-ending concussion. The 25-year-old Pool has sustained at least four known concussions in his five-year career, an alarming number that has the former second-round draft pick contemplating his future.
Workers hurt at Cowboys Stadium
DALLAS — Two workers doing maintenance on the roof of towering Cowboys Stadium slipped and tumbled at least 50 feet Thursday morning before coming to a stop atop a rain gutter that rings the structure, authorities said. Both suffered injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. The two were working on the top hatch of the retractable-roof venue in suburban Arlington around 7:20 a.m. when they fell, Assistant Fire Chief Don Crowson said. They were not using safety harnesses as required, he said.
No charges in Cromartie case
SAN DIEGO — Police said Thursday there is not enough evidence to prove a bar patron’s claim that San Diego Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie hit him in the head with a champagne bottle hours after the team’s victory at Denver. Monica Munoz, spokeswoman for the San Diego Police Department, said the case will not be sent to the City Attorney’s Office for potential prosecution because the investigation found there was not enough evidence to prove a crime occurred.
Rams RB Jackson fined
ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson has been fined $5,000 for throwing a ball into the stands. He does not plan on appealing. Jackson said Thursday he knew the fine was coming after he scored in the final minute of Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks. He said he just wanted to toss a present to the handful of fans who were still around at the end of the game.
Warner may be game-time decision
TEMPE, Ariz. — Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt says the decision on who will start at quarterback for the Cardinals on Sunday night against Minnesota could well be a game-time decision. Kurt Warner and Matt Leinart split practice time with the starters again on Thursday, and Whisenhunt said he has made no decision. Warner, who sustained a concussion against St. Louis on Nov. 22, took all the practice time with the starters last week but sat out Sunday’s 20-17 loss at Tennessee because of lingering symptoms. That left Leinart the starter without much preparation. Warner says he feels much better this week but Whisenhunt is putting off his decision in case there are any late setbacks.
Associated Press
